* * * This is NOT a job offer * * * The purpose of this occupational guide is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions. If you are searching for a job, please go to CalJobs (for jobs in California)     OR      JOBcentral (for jobs nationwide)

More Occupational Guides

Carpenters

THE JOB

CARPENTERS work in almost every type of construction.  The jobs they do 
depend on the type of construction, the type of company, and the particular 
skills of the Carpenter.  Working for a small home builder, a Carpenter 
might be involved in every part of a project, such as putting up the 
framework, walls, roofs, and installing doors, windows, flooring, cabinets, 
paneling, and molding.  In a larger operation, where there is more 
opportunity for specialized work, a Carpenter might do only one thing, such 
as roof framing or installing doors and windows.  Carpenters working for a 
special trade contractor would specialize in whatever the special work might 
be, such as the installation of hardwood flooring.  In other types of 
construction, Carpenter jobs can be as different as constructing wooden 
forms for pouring concrete; building wooden bridges, piers, and trestles; 
and installing tunnel bracing.  

Most Carpenter's work involves certain basic steps:  They read plans, 
identify and find the materials they need, determine the sizes of the parts 
required, and measure and mark the materials for cutting.  Working with hand 
tools and power equipment, Carpenters cut and shape the material and 
assemble or install them following the plans.


WORKING CONDITIONS


Carpenters usually work as part of a crew.  The work can be indoors or 
outdoors, at floor level, or on ladders or scaffolding, often in dusty, 
noisy places.  Training for Carpenters stresses working safely and wearing 
protective equipment and clothing, because Carpenters can be injured from 
falling objects, from sharp tools and power equipment, or from falling from 
high places.  

Carpenters provide their own hand tools and work clothing.  The employer 
provides ladders, scaffolding, and any heavy equipment needed on the job.  
Jobs are different in length, from one-day house repairs to industrial 
construction projects that last years.  In the winter, when it's cold and 
rainy, there aren't as many jobs for Carpenters.  During the winter, many 
construction carpenters take on small indoor jobs.  Most journey-level 
workers and apprentices belong to locals of the United Brotherhood of 
Carpenters and Joiners of America.  Big city areas are mostly union, but 
smaller communities have a lot of nonunion workers.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market 
Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates 
that the number of Carpenters in California will reach 92,990 by 2005, an 
increase in new jobs of 33,070 over the number there were in 1993.

There will also be an estimated 16,750 job openings due to people retiring 
or leaving the occupation.  Added to the 33,070 new jobs expected, this 
makes for an estimated total of 49,820 job opportunities through 2005.

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.) 


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Beginning pay for Carpenters goes from minimum wage to over $20.00 an hour.  
Journey-level Carpenters can earn up to $25.00 per hour.  Fully experienced 
Carpenters can make as much as $28.00 per hour.

Both union and non-union fringe benefits include vacation pay, health and 
welfare coverage, and retirement plans.  Most Carpenters work an eight-hour 
day, Monday through Friday, but there can be lot of overtime.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Taking high school math, drafting, and shop courses is a good way to prepare 
to become a Carpenter.  Formal pre-apprenticeship training is given by some 
public schools, community colleges, and other local organizations.

The usual way to become a journey-level Carpenter is by completing a four-
year apprenticeship program.  To become an apprentice, candidates should 
apply to their local Joint Apprenticeship Committee or the Carpenter's 
Union.  Apprenticeship candidates have to complete the 12th grade or its 
equivalent, be physically able to do the work, and be at least 17 years 
old.  The union apprenticeship involves on-the-job training and classroom 
instruction.

Workers sometimes get carpentry skills without going through the formal 
apprentice program.  With enough on-the-job experience, they can apply for 
the journey-level with the carpenter's union.


ADVANCEMENT

Carpenters with experience, skills, knowledge of new developments in 
carpentry, and leadership may be promoted to supervisor.  Some may become a 
superintendent or estimator.  Those with enough money and business knowledge 
may become self-employed contractors.


FINDING THE JOB


Journey-level union Carpenters usually find work by reporting to their union 
hiring hall.  Sometimes it is helpful to check the want ads, contact former 
employers, and check with the local offices of the California Employment 
Development Department.  Apprentice candidates are allowed to call on 
different contractors and apply for their own jobs.  For government jobs, 
they may contact their local city, county, and State personnel offices or 
the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM).


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

For apprenticeship information contact the local Carpenter's union or :

California Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Apprenticeship Standards
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA  94102
(415) 703-4920
http://www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/das.html

For general information about this occupation:

Associated Builders and Contractors
729 15th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 637-8800
http://www.abc.org/page.cfm?keyPageID=588

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
101 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 546-6206
http://www.necarpenters.org/UBC.htm


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Teachers, Trade and Technical      No. 404

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Carpenter                      860.381-022
Joiner                         860.381-050
Boatbuilder, Wood              860.361-010
Carpenter, Maintenance         860.281-010
Carpenter, Apprentice          860.381-026
Carpenter, Rough               860.381-042

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Carpenters                          871020


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162